UNCTAD's 2026 Trade and Development Report projects global GDP growth of 2.6% in
2026, down from 2.9% in 2025. Growth in developing economies is forecast to slow
to 4.0% from 4.7% last year. Asia is expected to supply 59% of global growth in
2026; UNCTAD identifies East Asia as central to rapid expansion in
semiconductors and advanced computing manufacturing. The report says AI-related
goods have become a major driver of merchandise trade but cautions that growth
in AI trade will not automatically deliver broad development gains.
